Rory Kleinveldt has played five List A and five Twenty20 matches at SuperSport Park, but the third Test against Pakistan will be his first appearance in whites at the ground.

Unlike Benoni's Willowmoore Park, the Titans' other home ground, where Kleinveldt has played some franchise matches, Centurion will offer him something. The surface is hard, promises steep bounce, and with humidity high at this time of the year, there will also be swing.

Having played his first three Test matches on pitches that offered nothing, Kleinveldt will finally have something to exploit. It is also an opportunity for him to stake his claim further as the next in line among the bowlers. Especially as the numbers of cricketers looking to establish themselves in that position is growing.

Kleinveldt is South Africa's ready-made substitute, and knows that the only way he can establish a place as a regular is to continue being the best impact player. So far he has stood in twice for Vernon Philander, and this time he will replace Morne Morkel, who is recovering from a hamstring strain.

Only Kleinveldt's selection on debut was tactical, when South Africa decided to go with an all-pace attack against Australia in Brisbane. It was a move that failed on a lifeless track. Kleinveldt struggled to make an impact, and overstepped an embarrassing 12 times.

At that stage, there was concern about South Africa's bowling depth. If Kleinveldt was the best back-up, few wanted to see the rest. It did not matter that Kleinveldt was the leading wicket-taker on the domestic circuit, and that he operated with Philander in much the same, complementary manner Dale Steyn and Morkel worked together at the Titans, or that he had ability to swing the ball both ways.

Because one-Test wonders do not exist under Gary Kirsten's management team, Kleinveldt was guaranteed another chance. That it came so soon may not have been initially planned but it did wonders for Kleinveldt's self-esteem. "Adelaide was a big step for him," Graeme Smith said. "The way he bounced back there after Brisbane was really good, and he took some big wickets."

Kleinveldt did not play in Perth, although he mentioned that being able to experience the WACA pitch was a dream of his. Since returning from Australia, Kleinveldt played a Test in Port Elizabeth, another ground that he was not familiar with. He had only played two first-class matches at St George's Park before playing the Test. He took four wickets and operated in the shadows of Steyn.

Centurion does not have the same reputation as the WACA, but it will give Kleinveldt a chance to test himself in conditions that suit him, and ultimately see if he can "make a big play," in Kirsten-speak, for the team. Smith believes Kleinveldt is ready to make the step up. "I have seen him develop and show more confidence at training. He looks assured. His performance in Port Elizabeth was solid. He bowled well, created good chances and can swing the ball both ways," Smith said. "There is always the expectation to turn in a performance that makes you feel [like] you belong and Rory already looks like he does."

Something else that will spur Kleinveldt on is the presence of Kyle Abbott. The Dolphins quick is known for his ability to swing the ball, and earned his place with the Test squad after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the first-class competition. Abbott will no doubt have to wait his turn but Kleinvedlt will be aware that the only person nipping at his heels is not Ryan McLaren anymore.

"Kyle was selected because his domestic form was of a high standard. It was my first time seeing him and he bowled well in the nets," Smith said. "The hope is that we have players that can keep challenging and create good competition within the national team. You want a strong domestic system so that when someone needs to step up to Test level, they can."

After Abbott there is Chris Morris, the Lions fast bowler who regularly bowls above 140kph, and Andrew Birch, the consistent Warriors seamer. Among those in the queue are Marchant de Lange, who returned from injury recently, and cranked it up to 150kph in a domestic T20 match. Left-arm fast bowlers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell are also waiting in the wings. The cupboard, which Allan Donald worried was bare when he took over as bowling coach in July 2011, is clearly full.

For Kleinveldt that is a reason to ensure he does something memorable at Centurion. For Smith, it's a sign that South Africa have the resources to remain the best team around. "I said when we got to No.1 in England that depth is a key factor for us maintaining the ranking. We have already taken steps down that road with Rory playing a few Tests." Now it will be up to Kleinveldt himself to make sure he continues to remain a part of the unit.

@Dale_Pain Fanie De villiers, started his international career at a similar age so the answer is yes

Ridaag
on February 22, 2013, 6:21 GMT

I'm surprised by the public response to the selection of Kleinveldt's for a country who beats the merit selection drum whenever a player of colour is selected (on potential) in this case Rory has been in the top few bowlers in domestic first class cricket for the last 2-3 years and is a 100% merit selection. The only bowler to consistently outperform Rory in domestic cricket is Vernon Philander who is another player whose selection many initially questioned and some of them now say that his performances are a flash in the pan.

dummy4fb
on February 22, 2013, 6:04 GMT

the best back up bowler is injured (de lange) not klienfeldt

dummy4fb
on February 22, 2013, 3:48 GMT

What about Birch,Ggamane,De Lange and Vilghoen?. I cant understand the Logic of giving Kleinveldt a place in the starting eleven.Think about this for a second he is already 30, a bit to old dont you think?, he also isn't a big swinger of the ball nore does he extract Considerable bounce and Pace. I just cant see him as the type of bowler that would blow opposition teams away, his firsttclass statistics are moderate, though he has improved marginaly over the past 3 seasons i cant see him providing the proteas with the consistency they need.Now going back to my initial point. Guys like Ggamane, Birch, De Lange and Hardus vilghoen are all young in their mid to early twenties, Their stats are good so have been their performances over the past 2 seasons especially Ggamane. Infact i'd go as to say Ggnamane should of been given that spot in the starting eleven. It such a shame the selectors dont share my view on team selections.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 23:16 GMT

Why is Rusty Theron always overlooked for Red Ball Cricket

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:46 GMT

PleaSE nic emcardy, DONT mention that Parnell has similar tools to Steyn, Dont do it man, i beg you, please retract that statement. Have you actually watched him bowl....Parnell i mean? He is utter rubbish!!!!!!! leave him to play for SA a side untill he is retired or improves out of sight. Sad but true, he just has not produced the goods.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:43 GMT

I'm encouraged by our current stock of backup pace bowlers. I agree with those who believe Kleinveldt and Abbott are seam/swing replacements while de Lange/Morris are pace/bounce replacements. I also like having Tsotsobe and McLaren in the wings, although I don't really rate either as Test bowlers (though McLaren fills a lower-order allrounder role better than anyone on this list other than Morris, so that adds to his value). I haven't seen Viljoen bowl yet, but I've heard good things. Parnell has loads of talent - he just needs some good guidance and coaching at this critical junction of his career. And let's not forget about young Gqamane - I've been following his progress closely and will continue to do so. Overall, while we obviously don't have a young Steyn in the wings (that would be quite something, wouldn't it?), things are looking pretty good!

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:03 GMT

Strange comments here. Rory is class. You probably would have to have played with or against him to know. Definitely a test class bowler. People seem to have short memories, Steyn's first couple of tests were useless. The only person taking more wickets in first class cricket than Rory was??? surprise surprise, The Vern, whose selection people also questioned.

I think Rory is definitely going to prove a lot of the critics wrong.

Dale_Pain
on February 21, 2013, 20:33 GMT

Can one start a test career at 30? Spinners and batsmen, sure! Fast bowlers? No way - not with a cupboard as full as ours!

TommytuckerSaffa
on February 21, 2013, 16:31 GMT

I just dont see the point in playing Kleinveld, he is old, not quick. He is a filler and average at best. His position for this dead rubber should have been a debutant in Gqamane, Morris or Abbott.

SA selection really gets my irritated. De Kock has also been left out of the ODIs which is ridiculous. should be there as a batsman at least. All this talent sits around aimlessly and then go off and play for england. Who can blame them.

Ridaag
on February 22, 2013, 6:24 GMT

@Dale_Pain Fanie De villiers, started his international career at a similar age so the answer is yes

Ridaag
on February 22, 2013, 6:21 GMT

I'm surprised by the public response to the selection of Kleinveldt's for a country who beats the merit selection drum whenever a player of colour is selected (on potential) in this case Rory has been in the top few bowlers in domestic first class cricket for the last 2-3 years and is a 100% merit selection. The only bowler to consistently outperform Rory in domestic cricket is Vernon Philander who is another player whose selection many initially questioned and some of them now say that his performances are a flash in the pan.

dummy4fb
on February 22, 2013, 6:04 GMT

the best back up bowler is injured (de lange) not klienfeldt

dummy4fb
on February 22, 2013, 3:48 GMT

What about Birch,Ggamane,De Lange and Vilghoen?. I cant understand the Logic of giving Kleinveldt a place in the starting eleven.Think about this for a second he is already 30, a bit to old dont you think?, he also isn't a big swinger of the ball nore does he extract Considerable bounce and Pace. I just cant see him as the type of bowler that would blow opposition teams away, his firsttclass statistics are moderate, though he has improved marginaly over the past 3 seasons i cant see him providing the proteas with the consistency they need.Now going back to my initial point. Guys like Ggamane, Birch, De Lange and Hardus vilghoen are all young in their mid to early twenties, Their stats are good so have been their performances over the past 2 seasons especially Ggamane. Infact i'd go as to say Ggnamane should of been given that spot in the starting eleven. It such a shame the selectors dont share my view on team selections.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 23:16 GMT

Why is Rusty Theron always overlooked for Red Ball Cricket

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:46 GMT

PleaSE nic emcardy, DONT mention that Parnell has similar tools to Steyn, Dont do it man, i beg you, please retract that statement. Have you actually watched him bowl....Parnell i mean? He is utter rubbish!!!!!!! leave him to play for SA a side untill he is retired or improves out of sight. Sad but true, he just has not produced the goods.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:43 GMT

I'm encouraged by our current stock of backup pace bowlers. I agree with those who believe Kleinveldt and Abbott are seam/swing replacements while de Lange/Morris are pace/bounce replacements. I also like having Tsotsobe and McLaren in the wings, although I don't really rate either as Test bowlers (though McLaren fills a lower-order allrounder role better than anyone on this list other than Morris, so that adds to his value). I haven't seen Viljoen bowl yet, but I've heard good things. Parnell has loads of talent - he just needs some good guidance and coaching at this critical junction of his career. And let's not forget about young Gqamane - I've been following his progress closely and will continue to do so. Overall, while we obviously don't have a young Steyn in the wings (that would be quite something, wouldn't it?), things are looking pretty good!

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:03 GMT

Strange comments here. Rory is class. You probably would have to have played with or against him to know. Definitely a test class bowler. People seem to have short memories, Steyn's first couple of tests were useless. The only person taking more wickets in first class cricket than Rory was??? surprise surprise, The Vern, whose selection people also questioned.

I think Rory is definitely going to prove a lot of the critics wrong.

Dale_Pain
on February 21, 2013, 20:33 GMT

Can one start a test career at 30? Spinners and batsmen, sure! Fast bowlers? No way - not with a cupboard as full as ours!

TommytuckerSaffa
on February 21, 2013, 16:31 GMT

I just dont see the point in playing Kleinveld, he is old, not quick. He is a filler and average at best. His position for this dead rubber should have been a debutant in Gqamane, Morris or Abbott.

SA selection really gets my irritated. De Kock has also been left out of the ODIs which is ridiculous. should be there as a batsman at least. All this talent sits around aimlessly and then go off and play for england. Who can blame them.

Reececonrad
on February 21, 2013, 15:37 GMT

Whenever a player gets injured I wouldn't like a like for like replacement for them, which is why I am happy with the current crop of South African seamers, Steyn pace+ swing(inswing and outswing) + brilliant control+great variations, Morkel height/bounce + pace + some unplayable deliveries, Philander immaculate length and line + brilliant seam control + the ability to swing the ball as well, too replace them there are guys like abbot out and out swing bowler with good control, Ryan Mclaren is a good swing bowler who has very good variations , Rory swing both ways and bounce, morris and viljoen for the lions have pace and bounce and the former a very intelligent bowler at 140's and the latter a talented guy with pace and aggression, Marchant De Lange who looked to have a better action and better pace when he made his come back and a lot fitter as well, lastly the the two left armers Parnell and Tsotsobe are very talented and need to work harder to get their lines and lengths right.

SurlyCynic
on February 21, 2013, 15:10 GMT

Kleinveldt is not particularly young, or fast, or skilful. He is ok.

But I'd far rather see the likes of Gqamane, Morris and De Lange as backup bowlers to the usual three. Kleinveldt has had 3 tests, and this will be his fourth. I hope he proves me wrong but unless he improves dramatically he will slip down the order.

Robster1
on February 21, 2013, 15:01 GMT

Good to see Birch mentioned. And over the next couple of seasons, young Savage's progress will be worth watching.

Cricinforma
on February 21, 2013, 14:43 GMT

Another chance for kleinveld on the "grootveild".

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 14:24 GMT

I see Rory and Abbot (Swing&Seam) as replacements for Vern, whilst de Lange, Morris and Tsotsobe (Height/Bounce) are more replacements for Morkel.....though Tsotsobe doesn't have as much pace. The ony guy around who has similar tools to Steyn at the moment may be Parnell (140km+ can swing and seam ball) even though he is not consistent and is a left-hander.

palla.avinash
on February 21, 2013, 14:12 GMT

i am going to bet Rory Kleinveldt is going to take minimum 7 wickets and surprise Pakistan, i have seen in recent series sometimes he can more than unplayable than steyn and philander, good luck buddy.

No featured comments at the moment.

palla.avinash
on February 21, 2013, 14:12 GMT

i am going to bet Rory Kleinveldt is going to take minimum 7 wickets and surprise Pakistan, i have seen in recent series sometimes he can more than unplayable than steyn and philander, good luck buddy.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 14:24 GMT

I see Rory and Abbot (Swing&Seam) as replacements for Vern, whilst de Lange, Morris and Tsotsobe (Height/Bounce) are more replacements for Morkel.....though Tsotsobe doesn't have as much pace. The ony guy around who has similar tools to Steyn at the moment may be Parnell (140km+ can swing and seam ball) even though he is not consistent and is a left-hander.

Cricinforma
on February 21, 2013, 14:43 GMT

Another chance for kleinveld on the "grootveild".

Robster1
on February 21, 2013, 15:01 GMT

Good to see Birch mentioned. And over the next couple of seasons, young Savage's progress will be worth watching.

SurlyCynic
on February 21, 2013, 15:10 GMT

Kleinveldt is not particularly young, or fast, or skilful. He is ok.

But I'd far rather see the likes of Gqamane, Morris and De Lange as backup bowlers to the usual three. Kleinveldt has had 3 tests, and this will be his fourth. I hope he proves me wrong but unless he improves dramatically he will slip down the order.

Reececonrad
on February 21, 2013, 15:37 GMT

Whenever a player gets injured I wouldn't like a like for like replacement for them, which is why I am happy with the current crop of South African seamers, Steyn pace+ swing(inswing and outswing) + brilliant control+great variations, Morkel height/bounce + pace + some unplayable deliveries, Philander immaculate length and line + brilliant seam control + the ability to swing the ball as well, too replace them there are guys like abbot out and out swing bowler with good control, Ryan Mclaren is a good swing bowler who has very good variations , Rory swing both ways and bounce, morris and viljoen for the lions have pace and bounce and the former a very intelligent bowler at 140's and the latter a talented guy with pace and aggression, Marchant De Lange who looked to have a better action and better pace when he made his come back and a lot fitter as well, lastly the the two left armers Parnell and Tsotsobe are very talented and need to work harder to get their lines and lengths right.

TommytuckerSaffa
on February 21, 2013, 16:31 GMT

I just dont see the point in playing Kleinveld, he is old, not quick. He is a filler and average at best. His position for this dead rubber should have been a debutant in Gqamane, Morris or Abbott.

SA selection really gets my irritated. De Kock has also been left out of the ODIs which is ridiculous. should be there as a batsman at least. All this talent sits around aimlessly and then go off and play for england. Who can blame them.

Dale_Pain
on February 21, 2013, 20:33 GMT

Can one start a test career at 30? Spinners and batsmen, sure! Fast bowlers? No way - not with a cupboard as full as ours!

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:03 GMT

Strange comments here. Rory is class. You probably would have to have played with or against him to know. Definitely a test class bowler. People seem to have short memories, Steyn's first couple of tests were useless. The only person taking more wickets in first class cricket than Rory was??? surprise surprise, The Vern, whose selection people also questioned.

I think Rory is definitely going to prove a lot of the critics wrong.

dummy4fb
on February 21, 2013, 22:43 GMT

I'm encouraged by our current stock of backup pace bowlers. I agree with those who believe Kleinveldt and Abbott are seam/swing replacements while de Lange/Morris are pace/bounce replacements. I also like having Tsotsobe and McLaren in the wings, although I don't really rate either as Test bowlers (though McLaren fills a lower-order allrounder role better than anyone on this list other than Morris, so that adds to his value). I haven't seen Viljoen bowl yet, but I've heard good things. Parnell has loads of talent - he just needs some good guidance and coaching at this critical junction of his career. And let's not forget about young Gqamane - I've been following his progress closely and will continue to do so. Overall, while we obviously don't have a young Steyn in the wings (that would be quite something, wouldn't it?), things are looking pretty good!